The NJ HAX Plasma Forge will transform plasma physics research into startups, jobs, and novel technologies

PRINCETON, N.J. (June 17, 2025) – Today, the New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) announced it will partner with venture capital firm SOSV and the U.S. Department of Energy’s Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory (PPPL) to create a new Strategic Innovation Center (SIC) in the Princeton area. The NJ HAX Plasma Forge will leverage the world-class research conducted by PPPL and SOSV’s robust investment experience to bolster plasma-focused startup creation and acceleration, promote industry collaboration, and commercialize groundbreaking technologies in an emerging economic sector.

“Through targeted investments and expanded resources for our state’s entrepreneurs, New Jersey is poised to lead in innovative industries like plasma and artificial intelligence,” said Governor Phil Murphy. “The NJ HAX Plasma Forge, along with other Strategic Innovation Centers across New Jersey, will support startup creation, generate high-paying jobs, and strengthen the state’s long-term economic competitiveness.”  

“Under Governor Murphy’s leadership, New Jersey is partnering with inventive entrepreneurs, world-class academic institutions, and private sector experts to strengthen the state’s position as a leader in innovation,” said NJEDA Chief Executive Officer Tim Sullivan. “With the support of the NJEDA’s Strategic Innovation Center initiative, entrepreneurs will be able to harness transformative advances in plasma research to create businesses that drive this exciting industry forward and further the state’s ambitious clean energy and energy resiliency goals.”

The HAX Plasma Forge will include up to 10,000 square feet of lab and co-working space close to PPPL’s facility in the Princeton area, with equipment, staff and infrastructure suitable for low-temperature plasma research, which is essential to semiconductor manufacturing processes, and fusion supply chain development. Princeton-based SOSV will operate the SIC in collaboration with PPPL, providing up to $24.5 million in seed funding to startup companies located in the SIC and engaging with established industry leaders to work alongside entrepreneurs and researchers. Pending approval by its Board, the NJEDA intends to invest $24.5 million to support the HAX Plasma Forge operations and investment into participant companies.

SOSV previously partnered with the NJEDA to establish HAX, LLC’s United States flagship headquarters in Newark, a SIC which provides support for emerging companies, including up to a $550,000 initial investment in each participating company, 180 days of hands-on collaboration, and a global community for early-stage founders building hard tech startups.

“Plasma is a powerful tool in the deep tech arsenal, a technology that unlocks nuclear fusion, powers advanced spacecraft, and manufactures futuristic AI chips,” said SOSV General Partner and HAX Managing Director Duncan Turner. “PPPL is a world-renowned leader in this field, and we’re thrilled to partner with them to unlock new possibilities. At SOSV, we’ve already backed a handful of startups harnessing plasma technology, and this new lab, made possible by the NJEDA, will allow us to expand and deepen that effort.”

PPPL, a U.S. Department of Energy national laboratory managed by Princeton University, conducts essential research across a full range of plasma applications to solve science and technology challenges. The laboratory aims to develop the scientific knowledge and advanced engineering to enable fusion to power the U.S. and the world, advance the science of nanoscale fabrication and sustainable manufacturing, and further the development of the scientific understanding of the plasma universe.

Today, plasma is being harnessed to power fusion reactors for carbon-free energy, propel advanced satellites, and build the next generation of artificial intelligence chips that will drive global innovation. PPPL is the premier plasma physics lab in the United States and a world leader in plasma science. The NJEDA’s investment will allow new technologies to be developed and support efforts to build a plasma valley in New Jersey. 

“PPPL brings world-class talent and capabilities and is uniquely positioned to drive innovation in the state and the nation,” said PPPL Laboratory Director Steve Cowley. “Partnering with SOSV and NJEDA will expand our scientific footprint, enabling our expertise to drive economic development and advance new technologies. This is an exciting new chapter.”

SICs are facilities that support research and development, innovation, and entrepreneurship through mentorship, networking opportunities, hands-on training, business support services, and education opportunities. SICs can be accelerators, incubators, or research centers. Having a physical location where entrepreneurs can collaborate will help support new, diverse innovators and help drive long-term economic growth.

The NJEDA has announced investments into 11 SICs in New Jersey, focused on industries such as artificial intelligence, fintech, aerospace, life sciences, and biotech. To learn more about the NJEDA’s SIC initiative, visit https://www.njeda.gov/strategic-innovation-centers/. 

About the NJEDA

The New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) serves as the State’s principal agency for driving economic growth. The NJEDA is committed to making New Jersey a national model for inclusive and sustainable economic development by focusing on key strategies to help build strong and dynamic communities, create good jobs for New Jersey residents, and provide pathways to a stronger and fairer economy. Through partnerships with a diverse range of stakeholders, the NJEDA creates and implements initiatives to enhance the economic vitality and quality of life in the State and strengthen New Jersey’s long-term economic competitiveness.

To learn more about NJEDA resources for businesses, call NJEDA Customer Care at 844-965-1125 or visit https://www.njeda.gov and follow @NewJerseyEDA on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn.

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TRENTON, N.J. (June 12, 2025) – The New Jersey Commission on Science, Innovation, and Technology (CSIT) is now accepting applications for the Clean Tech R&D Seed Grant Round 4. The program, developed in coordination with the New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) and the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities (NJBPU), provides grants of up to $75,000 to eligible New Jersey companies to conduct R&D projects that will reduce or mitigate greenhouse gas emissions.

WHAT:            The goal of the Clean Tech R&D Seed Grant Program is to help New Jersey-based early-stage clean tech/clean energy companies accelerate development and innovation of clean technologies to transform new discoveries from research stage into commercially viable technologies, leading to industry and investor interest.

The Program is for companies developing or testing clean technologies intended to avoid emissions of, or recapture, greenhouse gases and/or criteria pollutants, or to enable such avoidance or recapture in the following target areas:

  • Chemicals/Advance Materials
  • Energy Distribution/Storage
  • Energy Efficiency
  • Energy Generation
  • Green Buildings
  • Transportation
  • Waste Processing
  • Water and Agriculture

WHO:              Applicants must meet certain eligibility requirements, including:

  • Have at least one, but no more than 50, full-time employees;
  • Have less than or equal to $5,000,000 in prior calendar year sales revenue;
  • Have a current New Jersey tax clearance certificate listing New Jersey Commission on Science, Innovation and Technology; and
  • Be authorized and in good standing to conduct business in New Jersey.

Click here for a full list of eligibility requirements.

WHEN:           Applications for the Clean Tech R&D Seed Grant Round 4 are now open. Applications must be submitted by Friday, July 11, 2025, at 5:00 p.m.

About CSIT
In August 2018, Governor Murphy signed legislation re-establishing the former New Jersey Commission on Science and Technology as the CSIT. Comprised of representatives from the public and private sectors, as well as academia, the Commission is tasked with leading the way in promoting the state as a home for academic and technological research, development, and commercialization.

About the NJEDA

The New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) serves as the State’s principal agency for driving economic growth. The NJEDA is committed to making New Jersey a national model for inclusive and sustainable economic development by focusing on key strategies to help build strong and dynamic communities, create good jobs for New Jersey residents, and provide pathways to a stronger and fairer economy. Through partnerships with a diverse range of stakeholders, the NJEDA creates and implements initiatives to enhance the economic vitality and quality of life in the State and strengthen New Jersey’s long-term economic competitiveness.

To learn more about state resources available to New Jersey entrepreneurs and early-stage companies, visit https://www.njeda.com and follow @NewJerseyEDA on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn.

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NJ Green Workforce Training Grants support Governor Murphy’s clean energy and climate goals

TRENTON, N.J. (April 28, 2025) – In celebration of Earth Month, the New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) announced it recently approved four applications under the NJ Green Workforce Training Grant Challenge, totaling over $4.3 million in funding. The awardees will develop training programs to prepare New Jersey residents for green economy careers, with a particular focus on serving overburdened communities.

“These four approvals through the Green Workforce Training Grant Challenge will provide long-lasting solutions that will protect our environment while creating opportunities for New Jersey’s most vulnerable workforce,” said Governor Phil Murphy. “This grant challenge is a unique chance for entities across New Jersey to train residents for jobs in clean energy and other vital green sectors, which will help support a stronger and more diverse economy.”

The Grant Challenge was a competitive funding opportunity and applicants had to submit proposals outlining their plans to develop and implement workforce supports to bolster the green economy, with a focus on New Jersey’s overburdened communities. Grants from $250,000 up to $1.5 million were available. Awardees may use funds to cover design, planning, capital, and implementation costs to offer training programs in green economy industries.

“Guided by the recommendations of the New Jersey Green Economy Task Force, New Jersey is preparing its residents for a cleaner, more environmentally friendly and resilient economy,” said First Lady Tammy Murphy. “The organizations that received funding through the Green Workforce Training Grant Challenge are addressing climate change head on by both building out our talent pipeline and also providing necessary support to ensure equitable access to trainings and certifications.”

“The Murphy Administration remains dedicated to building a clean energy future, and through initiatives like the Green Workforce Training Grant, the NJEDA is leading efforts to expand access to essential workforce training and development opportunities in emerging green sectors,” said NJEDA Chief Executive Officer Tim Sullivan. “The Grant Challenge highlights the State’s continued commitment to ensuring New Jersey residents are at the forefront of the green economy and that those in overburdened communities are prepared to take on the good-paying jobs of the future.”

“These awards will continue to empower our residents to get trained in cutting edge jobs that support the clean economy,” said Eric Miller, Executive Director of Council on the Green Economy. “The clean energy sector is one of the fastest growing sectors of our economy, and preparing our citizens to benefit from that growth is exactly what these awards accomplish.”

The following four applicants will receive grant funding through the NJ Green Workforce Training Grant Challenge:

  1. Elizabeth Development Company of New Jersey ($500,000): The Elizabeth Development Company of New Jersey, in collaboration with Dimension Energy, will provide hands-on solar energy training with graduates earning North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) Photovoltaic Associate certification and OSHA 30-hour certification. The course will take place in Elizabeth and Jersey City. Supportive services for participants will include stipends, job readiness training, and support with accessing public benefits.
  2. Ideal Education, A NJ Nonprofit Corporation ($1,500,000): Ideal Education will be training individuals to become certified NJ Clean Energy Program Installers and Weatherization and Energy Auditors in collaboration with Coalition for a Safe Community and Community Strategies and Solutions. The training will take place in-person in Pleasantville and will also utilize a mobile hands-on training unit and a virtual platform. Supportive services for participants will include transportation assistance, childcare services, counseling and mentorship, and job placement support.
  3. New Jersey Environmental Justice Alliance, Inc. (NJEJA) ($1,373,000): NJEJA will provide training in collaboration with Soulful Synergy and Green Tech Leaders on building systems, thermal systems, weatherization, and heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC), leading to multiple industry-recognized certifications. The training will be hybrid with the in-person portion taking place in Newark. Supportive services for participants will include stipends, mentorship, transportation, childcare, and other health services support.
  4. Hugo Neu Realty Management, LLC ($976,987): Hugo Neu will conduct training modules for graduates to obtain the Green Stormwater Infrastructure (GSI) Certification and the Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Training Program (EVITP) Certification, with the EV program recruiting those who have already received their Electrical Assistant training. The training will be hybrid with the in-person portion taking place in Kearny. Hugo Neu Realty Management will collaborate with the New Jersey Reentry Corporation, and will offer supportive services such as stipends, assistance accessing public benefits programs, health support, housing assistance, job placement support, and access to legal services for record expungement.

About the NJEDA

The New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) serves as the State’s principal agency for driving economic growth. The NJEDA is committed to making New Jersey a national model for inclusive and sustainable economic development by focusing on key strategies to help build strong and dynamic communities, create good jobs for New Jersey residents, and provide pathways to a stronger and fairer economy. Through partnerships with a diverse range of stakeholders, the NJEDA creates and implements initiatives to enhance the economic vitality and quality of life in the State and strengthen New Jersey’s long-term economic competitiveness.

To learn more about NJEDA resources for businesses, call NJEDA Customer Care at 844-965-1125 or visit https://www.njeda.gov and follow @NewJerseyEDA on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn.

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NJ ZIP to launch third phase of the popular program

New loan program will offer low-interest financing to support the purchase of zero emission vehicles

TRENTON, N.J. (February 25, 2025) – The New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) Board yesterday approved two programs aimed at putting more zero emissions vehicles on roads across the state. Together, Phase III of the New Jersey Zero Emission Incentive Program (NJ ZIP) and the New Jersey Zero Emission Vehicle Financing Program (NJ ZEV), aim to accelerate the adoption and use of commercial zero-emission medium and heavy-duty vehicles within the state, while reducing harmful emissions.

“I am thrilled to see our state is moving closer to zero emission roadways with the approval of NJ ZIP and NJ ZEV,” said Governor Murphy. “This past December we hit a significant milestone of surpassing 200,000 electric vehicle registrations—leading to reduced greenhouse gas emissions, improved air quality, and a cleaner, healthier New Jersey for all. The programs approved today by the NJEDA Board will continue to drive us forward in our mission of decarbonizing transportation, reducing consumer costs, and responding to market preferences.”

“Under Governor Murphy’s leadership, New Jersey continues to advance programs and initiatives that support the state’s transition to clean energy, lower rates of harmful emissions, and create new economic opportunities for businesses across the state,” said NJEDA Chief Executive Officer Tim Sullivan. “Through NJ ZIP and NJ ZEV, business owners will be able to modernize their fleets with environmentally friendly vehicles that reduce fuel costs and keep their businesses moving forward. New Jersey’s families, especially those living in communities historically disproportionately affected by environment issues, will reap the benefits of improved air quality as a result of more electric vehicles on New Jersey’s roads and highways.”

The Board approved Phase III of NJ ZIP, which will provide vouchers to businesses and institutional organizations to offset the cost of purchasing new, zero emission medium and heavy-duty vehicles. The size of vouchers awarded through Phase III, which is funded at $75 million, will vary depending on the class of vehicle being purchased, from a minimum of $15,000 for Class 2b vehicles to $175,000 for Class 8 vehicles. Bonuses will be available for school busses, small businesses; women-, minority-, and veteran-owned businesses. Additionally, 50 percent of funds will be set aside for applications from small businesses in Overburdened Communities (OBCs).

Originally created in 2021, NJ ZIP has awarded $54 million in vouchers to 155 applicants, supporting the purchase of 422 new zero emission vehicles.

During the meeting, the Board also approved a new, $25 million program known as the NJ ZEV Financing Program, which is a loan program to support businesses adopting medium and heavy-duty zero emission vehicles. The program complements NJ ZIP by offering financing for vehicle costs that may not be met by NJ ZIP vouchers or other available grant funding resources. Loans will also be available through the program for business not utilizing the NJ ZIP program. NJ ZEV will offer low-interest rate loans ranging from $50,000 to $500,000 for the purchase of one or more eligible vehicles. For more information on the program and for eligibility requirements, click here.

Funding for both NJ ZIP and NJ ZEV are from the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI). As part of the 2023-2025 RGGI Strategic Funding Plan, the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP), the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities (NJBPU), and the NJEDA committed to investing in several clean energy initiatives, including catalyzing clean, equitable transportation in the state. The NJZIP and NJZEV announcements follow on the heels of last week’s $35 million announcement by the Murphy Administration for local government vehicle electrification projects, directly supporting the implementation of the Advanced Clean Trucks rule to achieve increasing percentages of annual electric vehicle sales.

“DEP is proud to partner with the NJEDA and BPU to support initiatives such as NJ ZIP and NJ ZEV that help achieve the Murphy Administration’s goals of cleaner air and healthier, more sustainable communities,” said Environmental Protection Commissioner Shawn M. LaTourette. “These newly launched programs further complement work underway by DEP to increase the number of electric vehicles charging stations, electric school buses, electric garbage trucks and other EVs. When we work together to reduce the presence of air pollutants across the state, the result is a greener and better New Jersey for all.”

“The NJBPU is proud to work with our sister agencies to continue to advance smart, clean transportation initiatives that provide considerable health and environmental benefits to residents,” said NJBPU President Christine Guhl-Sadovy. “NJEDA’s efforts build upon a variety of actions the NJBPU took to expand charging access for medium-and-heavy duty vehicles throughout the state. Establishing a backbone of essential charging infrastructure not only helps build confidence in and helps businesses make the switch to this clean transportation alternative, its benefits are especially vital to the overburdened communities that have borne the brunt of air pollution for far too long.”

About the NJEDA

The New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) serves as the State’s principal agency for driving economic growth. The NJEDA is committed to making New Jersey a national model for inclusive and sustainable economic development by focusing on key strategies to help build strong and dynamic communities, create good jobs for New Jersey residents, and provide pathways to a stronger and fairer economy. Through partnerships with a diverse range of stakeholders, the NJEDA creates and implements initiatives to enhance the economic vitality and quality of life in the State and strengthen New Jersey’s long-term economic competitiveness.

To learn more about NJEDA resources for businesses, call NJEDA Customer Care at 844-965-1125 or visit https://www.njeda.gov and follow @NewJerseyEDA on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn.

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11 early-stage startups will receive grant funding

TRENTON, N.J. (January 3, 2025) – The New Jersey Commission on Science, Innovation and Technology (CSIT) awarded over $2.7 million in grant funding to 11 New Jersey startups under Round Two of the Pilot Clean Tech Demonstration Grant Program. The funding will support pilot demonstration projects from startup companies creating technologies that mitigate the emission of greenhouse gases and other pollutants.

“The innovative ideas of New Jersey entrepreneurs are essential to helping the state achieve its clean energy goals,” said CSIT Executive Director Judith Sheft. “Awardees under Round Two of the Pilot Clean Tech Demonstration Program are developing technologies that will address the carbon footprint of concrete, divert packaging waste from landfills, and the infrastructure needed to support the transition to electric vehicles, exemplifying New Jersey’s standing as a hub of innovation.”

“Under Governor Phil Murphy’s leadership, New Jersey has set some of the most ambitious clean energy goals in the country, supporting the creation of high-quality jobs and protecting the environment for future generations,” said New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) Chief Executive Officer Tim Sullivan. “New Jersey’s startup companies are at the forefront of creative and transformative technologies that will move New Jersey closer to its goal of 100 percent clean electricity by 2035.”

Round Two of the Pilot Clean Tech Demonstration Program awarded 11 early-stage startups with more than $2.7 million in grant funding, supporting pilot demonstration projects to transform new clean tech discoveries from research stage into commercially viable products and services. Awardees plan to demonstrate new technologies in technology areas including energy storage and distribution and waste processing.

In 2023, the NJEDA awarded more than $3.6 million to 14 startup companies under Round One of the pilot program. Combined, both rounds have awarded over $5 million to support demonstration projects conducted by innovative New Jersey companies, accelerating the commercialization and deployment of clean energy technologies.

“Congratulations to the 11 grant awardees of the Pilot Clean Tech Demonstration Grant Program,” said CSIT Chair and BioNJ President and CEO Debbie Hart. “CSIT is proud to support innovative startups that are advancing clean tech breakthroughs that have the potential and promise to become environment-altering, commercially viable solutions — a testament to the extraordinary innovation emerging from New Jersey.”

Funding for Round 2 of the Pilot Clean Tech Demonstration Program is provided through a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the NJEDA and the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities (NJBPU) to support early-stage, New Jersey-based clean tech companies.

“The NJBPU is excited to partner with our sister state agencies to support New Jersey-based clean energy start-ups through the Clean Tech Pilot Demonstration Grant Program,” said NJBPU President Christine Guhl-Sadovy.  “The Clean Tech Pilot Programs build on New Jersey’s long history of innovation by helping develop and deploy new technologies that can play an important role in mitigating the effects of climate change, benefiting us all in the future.” 

A full list of awardees can be found below:

  1. AIVacua LLC (Somerset County): Demonstrating an innovative spray flash distillation technology to be an integrated part of a cost-effective and scalable solution for use in water treatment.
  2. Amatec Inc. (Essex County): Created an alternative material to cementitious concrete: high-density gypsum (HDG) concrete, which enables the company to eliminate the culprit behind concrete’s enormous carbon footprint.
  3. Bezwada Biomedical (Somerset County): Demonstrating and testing the innovation of proprietary biodegradable polyurethanes developed by the company for use in packaging and consumer product applications to avoid greenhouse gas emissions by diverting the waste from landfills.
  4. Cecilia Energy, Inc. (Essex County): Demonstrating a modular, microwave-based system that upcycles plastic waste into hydrogen and carbon nanotubes (CNTs), addressing plastic waste management.
  5. Coulomb Technology, Inc. (Somerset County): Demonstrating a 5Ah zinc-ion battery for use in energy storage applications, which are safer, faster charging, and half the cost of incumbent Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP) batteries.
  6. EV Edison (Hudson County): Achieved full proof of concept for a mobile electric vehicle (EV) charging platform to deliver mobile EV charging to small, medium, and heavy-duty vehicles, establishing EV charging sites “on-demand.”
  7. InnoSepra LLC (Warren County): Demonstrating its biogas-upgrading technology at a wastewater treatment plant or landfill in New Jersey, which upgrades raw biogas to 92-98 percent purity methane.
  8. NanoSepex Inc. (Middlesex County): Demonstrating innovative membrane technology and process for use in solvent recovery and recycling, biofuel refining, and treatment of aqueous waste streams containing low-concentration solvents and volatile organic compounds.
  9. Pollux Technologies (Middlesex County): Developing a novel filter monitoring technology for use in heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems, which sends sensor data or post-processed soil parameters to a cloud server via a Wi-Fi or 5G cellular network with Internet of Things capability.
  10. PureLi Inc. (Somerset County): Demonstrating an interfacial crystallization process with superior performance in extracting lithium from saline water sources compared to current commercial operations, improving the throughput by 60 to 80 times and doubling lithium selectivity.
  11. PureNanoTech Inc. (Morris County): Demonstrating a next generation nanobubble technology designed to enhance wastewater treatment processes, improving efficiency and effectiveness.

About CSIT
In August 2018, Governor Murphy signed legislation re-establishing the former New Jersey Commission on Science and Technology as the CSIT. Comprised of representatives from the public and private sectors, as well as academia, the Commission is tasked with leading the way in promoting the state as a home for academic and technological research, development, and commercialization.

About the NJEDA

The New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) serves as the State’s principal agency for driving economic growth. The NJEDA is committed to making New Jersey a national model for inclusive and sustainable economic development by focusing on key strategies to help build strong and dynamic communities, create good jobs for New Jersey residents, and provide pathways to a stronger and fairer economy. Through partnerships with a diverse range of stakeholders, the NJEDA creates and implements initiatives to enhance the economic vitality and quality of life in the State and strengthen New Jersey’s long-term economic competitiveness.

To learn more about state resources available to New Jersey entrepreneurs and early-stage companies, visit https://www.njeda.com and follow @NewJerseyEDA on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn.

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TRENTON, N.J. (December 12, 2024) – The New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) has published municipality opt-in documents to participate in the Garden State Commercial Property Assessed Clean Energy (C-PACE) Program. The program will allow commercial property owners in Participating Municipalities to access a new form of financing to undertake energy efficiency, water conservation, renewable energy, and resiliency improvements.

WHAT:          The Garden State C-PACE Program allows property owners to repay investments from Qualified Capital Providers into eligible projects through a special assessment to a Participating Municipality, similar to the owner’s real property tax, sewer, or water bill. The Participating Municipality then remits the payment to the initial capital provider. This unique form of financing can result in lower-cost, longer-term financing, making it easier for projects to be cashflow-positive from the outset. Municipalities are required to opt-in prior to any project application.

WHO:             Municipalities interested in participating in the Garden State C-PACE program.

WHEN:          Municipalities are required to first adopt the Opt-In Ordinance prior to submitting an application for participation in the Program to the Authority. Applications will open shortly and will be accepted on a rolling basis. For more information and to view the documents, click here. Interested parties may send questions to gardenstatecpace@njeda.gov.

To learn more about NJEDA resources for businesses, call NJEDA Customer Care at 844-965-1125 or visit https://www.njeda.gov and follow @NewJerseyEDA on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn.

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TRENTON, N.J. (October 31, 2024) – The New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) will open applications for the Offshore Wind Applied Research Administration Grant Challenge on November 4, 2024. The Grant Challenge is a pilot program where the NJEDA will award a single grant of $6.35 million to an Administrator to develop and administer a Sub-Grant Program for offshore wind applied research and innovation open to universities and colleges located in New Jersey.

WHAT: This Grant Challenge is a competitive funding opportunity, where applicants will be asked to submit proposals that outline their plans to develop and manage a Sub-Grant Program, through which at least two solicitations will be administered to provide funding to New Jersey colleges and universities for applied research projects for the offshore wind industry. The Sub-Grant Program will provide grants for research projects that show a connection to potential commercialization or innovation of offshore wind technologies.

WHO: Non-profit entities with direct experience overseeing and administering a minimum of one prior offshore wind research and development solicitation are eligible to apply. New Jersey universities and colleges are not eligible to apply for this grant challenge.

WHEN: Applications for this program will open on Monday, November 4, 2024, and close on Thursday, December 19, 2024. A Q&A will be posted on Tuesday, November 26, 2024.

For more information on the Offshore Wind Applied Research Administration Grant Challenge, click here.

About the NJEDA

The New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) serves as the State’s principal agency for driving economic growth. The NJEDA is committed to making New Jersey a national model for inclusive and sustainable economic development by focusing on key strategies to help build strong and dynamic communities, create good jobs for New Jersey residents, and provide pathways to a stronger and fairer economy. Through partnerships with a diverse range of stakeholders, the NJEDA creates and implements initiatives to enhance the economic vitality and quality of life in the State and strengthen New Jersey’s long-term economic competitiveness.

To learn more about NJEDA resources for businesses, call NJEDA Customer Care at 844-965-1125 or visit https://www.njeda.gov and follow @NewJerseyEDA on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn.

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More than 350 attendees gathered in Atlantic City to explore the latest developments in offshore wind and discover new prospects in the growing sector

ATLANTIC CITY, N.J. (October 29, 2024) – As part of the ongoing collaboration between New York and New Jersey, the New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) and New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) co-hosted the “New York & New Jersey Offshore Wind Supplier Forum,” in Atlantic City on Monday. The forum, part of a bi-annual series, connected local businesses with developers and other contracted suppliers to explore opportunities in offshore wind, helping New Jersey and New York businesses to build the knowledge and relationships needed for success in the growing industry.

The event brought together more than 350 registered attendees from the regional offshore wind industry eager to supply products and services for projects along the East Coast.

“Through our partnership with NYSERDA, we were able to provide businesses across the region with critical information and a forum to directly connect with new opportunities in the growing sector,” said NJEDA Chief Executive Officer Tim Sullivan. “Under Governor Phil Murphy’s leadership, we are committed to realizing the promise of a clean energy future, and this Supplier Forum is a testament to our vision of a robust offshore wind economy.”

“Governor Hochul’s firm commitment to advancing offshore wind development while reducing its cost is bolstered by New York and New Jersey’s shared vision for a regional supply chain to support regional and national efforts to deploy this resource at scale,” said NYSERDA President and CEO Doreen M. Harris. “Together, we can leverage the lessons learned from overcoming obstacles and keep driving progress for this powerhouse industry.”

At the event, the states announced the launch of a joint workforce development website, offshorewindtraining.org, which includes occupation descriptions, funding opportunities, and a map of all the offshore wind training locations in both New Jersey and New York.

Attendees networked among developers and suppliers, as well as attended several informative sessions on supply chain development. Notably, the session “New York-New Jersey Partnership Success Story,” offered valuable insight into how New Jersey and New York businesses collaborated with European partners to localize components, creating a major manufacturing success in the rapidly growing US offshore wind industry.

“The Offshore Wind Supplier Forum was a valuable opportunity that we were proud to be a part of,” said Chris Johnston, Vice President of Offshore Wind at Riggs Distler. “Our session highlighted the importance of making connections and developing relationships with other like-mind organizations to support these large-scale construction projects. Our work with Smulders and LJUNGSTROM and other Tier 2 and Tier 3 suppliers was built on the collaborative drive towards a sustainable future as we actively shape the offshore wind landscape.”

Consistent with the commitment to support small businesses, the Forum featured 10 New Jersey and New York companies that made a two-minute pitch each to present their capabilities and highlight the services they can offer for offshore wind projects to an audience of developers and other primary component suppliers.

To stay up to date on additional events in New Jersey, visit: https://www.nj.gov/offshorewind/. To stay up to date on additional events in New York, visit https://www.nyserda.ny.gov/All-Programs/Offshore-Wind/Announcements-and-Events.
 

About the NJEDA

The New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) serves as the State’s principal agency for driving economic growth. The NJEDA is committed to making New Jersey a national model for inclusive and sustainable economic development by focusing on key strategies to help build strong and dynamic communities, create good jobs for New Jersey residents, and provide pathways to a stronger and fairer economy. Through partnerships with a diverse range of stakeholders, the NJEDA creates and implements initiatives to enhance the economic vitality and quality of life in the State and strengthen New Jersey’s long-term economic competitiveness.

To learn more about NJEDA resources for businesses, call NJEDA Customer Care at 844-965-1125 or visit https://www.njeda.gov and follow @NewJerseyEDA on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn.

About NYSERDA

NYSERDA, a public benefit corporation, offers objective information and analysis, innovative programs, technical expertise, and funding to help New Yorkers increase energy efficiency, save money, use renewable energy, and reduce reliance on fossil fuels. NYSERDA professionals work to protect the environment and create clean-energy jobs. NYSERDA has been developing partnerships to advance innovative energy solutions in New York State since 1975. To learn more about NYSERDA’s programs and funding opportunities, visit nyserda.ny.gov or follow us on Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, or Instagram. 

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TRENTON, N.J. (April 15, 2024) – Last week, the New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) Board approved the creation of the New Jersey Green Bank(NJGB), which will make investments in the clean energy sector that will help advance the state’s efforts to make an equitable transition to 100 percent clean energy. The NJGB will make investments through debt, credit enhancements, and other financial vehicles to attract private capital to enable the state to reach its climate goals.

The Murphy Administration has taken significant steps to meet the ongoing challenges of climate change and has set several clean energy targets, including 100 percent clean electricity by 2035,11 gigawatts of offshore wind power by 2040, and 50 percent economy-wide greenhouse gas emissions reduction by 2030. The NJGB is a component of the 2019 Energy Master Plan and Governor Murphy’s Executive Order 316 directed the NJEDA to implement programs supporting building electrification through the NJGB.

“From more violent storms to increased flooding, the effects of climate change have become all too familiar here in New Jersey,” said Governor Murphy. “My administration has established aggressive goals to combat climate change and the creation of the New Jersey Green Bank will help us meet those goals by making major investments in the clean energy sector. This approval is a significant step in our fight against climate change, which will help us reach a clean energy future that will protect our environment and bolster our economy for generations to come.”

The NJGB will be dedicated to investing in projects, technologies, and companies that align with the State’s climate goals, including in areas such as zero-emission transportation, building decarbonization and resiliency, and clean energy generation and storage. Examples of projects that the NJGB may invest in include solar power, onshore and offshore wind, all electric heat pumps and geothermal, and battery storage, among others. Investments made by the NJGB must demonstrate benefits for the state; be new rather than seeking refinancing; and lead to reduced greenhouse gas emissions or other co-pollutants.

“Establishing the New Jersey Green Bank is a pivotal step in the State’s continued push to meet the ongoing challenges of climate change,” said NJEDA Chief Executive Officer Tim Sullivan. “The NJGB will inject capital into New Jersey’s clean energy economy and support green businesses and good-paying jobs in the field. Additionally, the investments made by the NJGB will pave the way for a cleaner and healthier environment for our residents and future generations.”

As a subsidiary of the NJEDA focused exclusively on climate investments, the NJGB will be well-positioned to attract private capital, including funds from public-private partnerships, as has been the case with other Green Banks in the region. The NJGB will also look to facilitate the development of climate and clean energy capital markets in the state through forms of financial support, such as warehousing and securitization, that address underdeveloped or nonexistent capital markets for these investments.

In addition to capital allocated to the NJGB in the state’s Fiscal Year 2023 budget, the NJGB’s initial capitalization will include permanent grant capital it receives as a named sub-awardee in the Coalition for Green Capital’s (CGC) application to the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) National Clean Investment Fund competition. Last week, the EPA announced that CGC will be receiving an award of $5 billion through the NCIF competition.

“With the formation of the New Jersey Green Bank, our state will be able to invest in projects that will help transform our communities and bring us closer to our clean energy goals. The Green Bank will address gaps in the market and encourage traditional lenders to make investments in new areas. This is a big win for New Jersey and its environment,” said NJEDA Chief Economic Transformation Officer Kathleen Coviello.

Last year, the NJEDA issued a Request for Expressions of interest (“RFEI”) to identify entities interested in financial support from the NJGB. Additionally, the NJEDA has been engaged with sister agencies to identify investment opportunities.

To ensure all communities benefit from the NJGB, the NJEDA will engage New Jersey’s Environmental Justice Communities (EJCs) to ensure a just transition and to make recommendations and provide feedback on how the NJGB can best advance environmental justice through its investments. The NJGB will also leverage the NJEDA’s existing diversity, equity, and inclusion staff, expertise, and initiatives.

About the NJEDA

The New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) serves as the State’s principal agency for driving economic growth. The NJEDA is committed to making New Jersey a national model for inclusive and sustainable economic development by focusing on key strategies to help build strong and dynamic communities, create good jobs for New Jersey residents, and provide pathways to a stronger and fairer economy. Through partnerships with a diverse range of stakeholders, the NJEDA creates and implements initiatives to enhance the economic vitality and quality of life in the State and strengthen New Jersey’s long-term economic competitiveness.

To learn more about NJEDA resources for businesses, call NJEDA Customer Care at 844-965-1125 or visit https://www.njeda.gov and follow @NewJerseyEDA on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn.

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The grant challenge supports the State’s goals to prepare New Jersey residents for jobs in the green economy

TRENTON, N.J. (April 11, 2024) – The New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) Board approved the creation of the Green Workforce Training Grant Challenge. The $7 million grant program will prepare New Jersey residents for green economy careers, with a particular focus on advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion and serving overburdened communities.

“Governor Phil Murphy is committed to investing in our clean energy future, and through programs like the Green Workforce Training Grant, the NJEDA is spearheading initiatives that increase access to skills and training, putting New Jerseyans at the forefront of green economy careers,” said NJEDA Chief Executive Officer Tim Sullivan. “Through this important workforce development program, New Jersey is investing in our clean energy future by expanding opportunities and ensuring equitable access to good-paying jobs for all residents, especially those in overburdened communities.”

The Grant Challenge is a competitive funding opportunity, where applicants will be asked to submit proposals that outline their plans to develop and implement workforce supports to bolster the green economy, with a focus on New Jersey’s overburdened communities. Grants from $250,000 up to $1.5 million are available. Awardees may use funds to cover design, planning, capital, and implementation costs to offer training programs in green economy industries.

“The Green Workforce Training Grant Challenge is a unique chance for entities across the State of New Jersey, as it provides funds for them to train residents for jobs in the green economy, while ensuring a diverse workforce,” said Executive Director of the Governor’s Office of Climate Action and the Green Economy and Council on the Green Economy Eric Miller. “This Grant Challenge will provide long-lasting solutions that will protect our environment while creating opportunities for our state’s workforce.”

The Green Workforce Training Grant Challenge was created by the NJEDA, in collaboration with the Governor’s Office of Climate Action and the Green Economy and the Wind Institute for Innovation and Training. The program is funded with $4.35 million through the Council on the Green Economy and $2.65 million from the Wind Institute.

“We are experiencing a clean-energy renaissance, and New Jersey is positioning its residents to succeed in this emerging industry,” said NJEDA Vice President of Offshore Wind Jen Becker. “This Grant Challenge will build our talent pipeline for the growing offshore wind and green economy sectors and will help to ensure equitable access to the industry for diverse workers and overburdened communities.”

The Green Workforce Training Grant Challenge builds upon the Green Jobs Council’s NJ Building our Resilient, Inclusive, and Diverse Green Economy (BRIDGE) Initiative. Last year, a total of $5 million in grants were awarded through the BRIDGE Initiative to support organizations working to create a diverse and inclusive workforce to support the state’s clean energy goals.

Eligible applicants include, but are not limited to, community-based organizations, workforce training organizations, labor unions, technical high schools, county colleges, non-profits, regional workforce development boards, and private-sector companies. Applicants must include at least one Community-Based Organization (CBO) that serves one or more New Jersey overburdened community as part of their application.

Applicants’ proposals must include their plans to implement workforce programs, connect participants with job opportunities in the green economy, develop outreach that targets and supports a diverse and inclusive pool of participants, including those from overburdened communities, and define program evaluation and success metrics.

More information about the Green Workforce Training Grant Challenge, including eligibility requirements and a formal application, will be available on www.njeda.gov by mid-2024.

About the NJEDA

The New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) serves as the State’s principal agency for driving economic growth. The NJEDA is committed to making New Jersey a national model for inclusive and sustainable economic development by focusing on key strategies to help build strong and dynamic communities, create good jobs for New Jersey residents, and provide pathways to a stronger and fairer economy. Through partnerships with a diverse range of stakeholders, the NJEDA creates and implements initiatives to enhance the economic vitality and quality of life in the State and strengthen New Jersey’s long-term economic competitiveness.

To learn more about NJEDA resources for businesses, call NJEDA Customer Care at 844-965-1125 or visit https://www.njeda.gov and follow @NewJerseyEDA on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn.

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